Julie's cheeks warmed as Adrian's smile deepened. His words wrapped around her like a promise.
"Of course, my dear," he said softly, brushing his thumb against her knuckles. "I'll marry you. Just let me finish helping Grandpa with the business once, and then… I'm only yours. Always."
Julie lowered her gaze, shy but glowing. Her lips curved into a tender blush, while Adrian's eyes lingered on her—his smile widening, as if her happiness was the only reward he wanted.
THE NEXT MORNING.....
The scene shifts.....
—(After the James misbehaviour with Alice...)
Inside the bustling cafeteria, Alice slammed her hand hard against the table, startling the nearby students.
"That's it!" she burst out. "I've had enough of this James! Who does he even think he is? Ever since I joined NASA, he's been stalking me everywhere. What does he want from me?"
Her friend Bianca leaned forward, trying to soothe her. "Alice, please, calm down. I know James is bad news, but don't let him get under your skin. You don't deserve this stress. We'll think of something together—we'll find a way to teach him a lesson."
Alice pressed her fingers against her temples, sighing deeply. "I'm exhausted, Bianca. Where is someone like Adrian… so sweet, so gentle… when all I'm surrounded by are people like James?"
The college cafeteria buzzed with its usual chaos—students laughing, trays clattering, and the faint hum of chatter weaving into the background. The warm scent of coffee and baked bread drifted through the air, settling lazily over crowded tables.
Bianca leaned back in her chair, idly stirring the straw in her soda, when her gaze shifted to Alice sitting quietly across from her. For a moment, Alice had been lost in her own world, her lips curved into the faintest smile.
Bianca's sharp eyes didn't miss it. A sly grin tugged at her lips as she leaned forward, her tone deliberately teasing.
"Adrian, huh?"
Alice's head snapped up, startled. "No, no—I mean… actually…" she stammered, fumbling with her words as a flush crept over her cheeks.
Bianca's smirk widened, her voice dripping with playful mischief. "Oh, relax, darling. Do you really think I wouldn't notice that my best friend has a little crush?"
Alice's face burned. "Oh, stop it. There's nothing like that. I'm just—"
Before Alice could finish, Bianca's hand darted forward with lightning speed. She snatched Alice's phone from the table.
"Hey!" Alice's eyes widened in horror as Bianca tapped the screen awake.
And there it was. Adrian's face—handsome, confident, almost glowing—stared back from the wallpaper.
"Well," Bianca drawled, lifting her brows dramatically, "if this isn't a crush… then what's this?"
Alice shot to her feet, panic rushing through her veins. "Bianca! Give me my phone back! Hurry up!"
But Bianca was already laughing, springing from her chair with a mischievous sparkle in her eyes. She darted across the cafeteria, weaving between tables as Alice chased after her.
"Bianca, I mean it!" Alice cried, her voice a mixture of desperation and embarrassment.
Heads turned. Students paused mid-bite, mid-conversation, mid-scroll, to watch the sudden commotion. Giggles and whispers rippled through the crowd as the two friends raced across the room—Bianca with her victorious grin, Alice red-faced and determined to reclaim her phone.
And in that moment, amid the laughter and stolen glances, the entire cafeteria had a new spectacle: the shy girl with Adrian's face glowing boldly from her phone screen.
The scene shifted to the gleaming glass tower of Shinwa Enterprises. Inside Adrian's spacious yet elegantly minimalistic office, sunlight streamed through the tall windows, painting golden streaks across the polished oak desk.
Adrian leaned back in his chair, phone pressed against his ear, his voice firm yet calm.
"I told you before—just follow my instructions. The future, the consequences… leave all of that to me. And please," his tone softened but carried authority, "do not mention this to my grandfather. Not yet. Understood?"
He ended the call with a sigh, setting the phone aside, when a polite knock sounded at his door.
"May I come in, sir?"
Adrian immediately straightened, his stern expression melting into a warm smile. "Oh, of course. Please, come in."
His grandfather's secretary stepped in gracefully, holding a notepad against her chest. "Good morning, sir."
"Good morning," Adrian replied kindly.
"Sir William has requested your company for breakfast," she informed. "He insists you stop by his suite before heading anywhere else."
Adrian chuckled, shaking his head. "Ah, so Grandpa already knows I skipped breakfast. He never misses a thing. Very well—tell him I'll be right there."
"Yes, sir. Have a wonderful day."
"You too, dear," Adrian said warmly.
This was who Adrian truly was. Despite his status, his power, and the immense respect he commanded, he treated everyone—from managers to interns—with equal kindness. It was the reason people not only admired him as a leader but adored him as a person.
---
The scene shifted to the private drawing room of Shinwa Enterprises, where the air carried the comforting aroma of fresh bread, tea, and roasted meat.
Adrian entered, knocking lightly. "May I come in, Grandpa?"
"Ah, Adrian!" Sir William's face lit up with pride as he gestured toward the chair opposite him. "Come, my child, sit."
Adrian obeyed with his usual soft smile,
sinking into the chair.
"You skipped breakfast again, didn't you?" Sir William's eyes narrowed knowingly.
Adrian pulled a little pout, lowering his gaze. "Mm… no, Grandpa. I just didn't feel like eating."
Sir William sighed, his voice both scolding and affectionate. "Do you ever think of your mother? How worried she gets every day, knowing you neglect your health like this?"
Adrian blinked, surprised. "I… I didn't realize it troubled her so much."
"It does," his grandfather said gently. "But no matter. You'll eat now—with me."
Adrian's expression softened into a childlike grin. He picked up a napkin and tucked it neatly into his collar before lifting his fork with exaggerated enthusiasm.
"Wow… Grandpa, this food tastes amazing!"
Sir William burst into laughter at his antics, and Adrian couldn't help but laugh too. For a moment, the vast empire of Shinwa Enterprises faded into the background, leaving only the warmth of family, love, and the simple joy of a shared breakfast.